5 ms·

I think this is a particularly (North) American take on townhouses. In the UK, the majority of houses are terraced. Your ownership rights are exactly the same a

I think this is a particularly (North) American take on townhouses. In the UK, the majority of houses are terraced. Your ownership rights are exactly the same as with a detached house. Most have their own garden; you can build a shed or a shop in the back if you have room. You extend and modify as you like (within reason and planning consents). There is no HOA; you are entirely responsible for the bit of roof over your house and your yard/garden. The only shared responsibility is the shared wall, but that is made of brick and likely won't have any problems longer than you are alive.

brailsafe 6y ago
This is the case in Canada as well. I rent a basement suite in Vancouver, and as far as I know, the owners can do whatever they want. Noise issues are noise issues, but we haven't had them so far.
- 52-6F-62 6y ago
  How much does that cost you these days? My partner is from Victoria and we’ve eyed places out there on a whim but even up island doesn’t seem to be big savings. Maybe a bit more bang for the buck than out here in Ontario.
  - brailsafe 6y ago
    Being from Winnipeg, I get a tremendous amount more value here in Vancouver for the money I pay. My gf and I pay about $1450 + insurance with utilities (water, electricity) included, and in-suite washer dryer + dishwasher + separate entrance in a new house. I don't need to own a car, grocery and cafes are within a very small walking distance, and the mountains can be bused to. We both have access to jobs that make it more manageable. Likewise, a friend of mine who likes a more bougie setup is paying $2100 for a new 1 bdr in a tower in a good neighborhood, and has amenities like washer and dryer in-suite, balcony, and underground parking included, which seems much more typical here. I took a look at Victoria rentals when I was interviewing for a job out there, but ended up realizing that there is less selection, less availability, and less public infrastructure that would otherwise make it a worthwhile move. I love the island generally speaking, if I have access to a car, and am hoping to do some backcountry camping out there soon, but it doesn't suit me as more of an urbanite at this time. In my current neighborhood, I can get downtown without a car in about 25 minutes, and my neighborhood is very laid back with tons of greenery and small shops. What I've heard about the suburbs of Toronto, are that it's a long-ass commute into the city proper, comparatively expensive, and with less access to nature, but perhaps easier access to Montreal, Ottawa, and Buffalo, but I haven't talked to anyone about the specifics of price/amenities. What has your experience been?
    - 52-6F-62 6y ago
      You pretty much nailed it, Toronto-wise. I’ve always loved just outside of downtown—“Toronto proper”. I’m not sure if the burbs have any easier route to those other locales as you still have to take the same highway routes out. I’ve worked with people who’ve commuted and none of them like the ride. It’s also often at least an hour from the suburbs into central TO if you’re taking transit. They are very spread out and mostly flat save for a few nicer regions. Parking lots, strip malls, and housing developments. Probably a lot more to unpack there. But I’ve never lived out there—just generally glad I didn’t whenever I’d visited either from the city or from my old hometown. I’m from a very small town and I’m used to the quiet life but I personally couldn’t move to the burbs here. We’re still trying to figure out a balance—where we can find or keep work but get out of the city. But until we can afford or find something ideal or near-ideal the trade offs aren’t worth it. Kind of like yourself. With house prices racing upwards though it feels a bit like a race against time before we’re shut out forever.
gnopgnip 6y ago
Attached single family homes sound very similar to this. These are common in central FL. Often the only common property is the party, or sometimes a shared driveway.

brailsafe 6y ago

This is the case in Canada as well. I rent a basement suite in Vancouver, and as far as I know, the owners can do whatever they want. Noise issues are noise issues, but we haven't had them so far.

52-6F-62 6y ago
How much does that cost you these days? My partner is from Victoria and we’ve eyed places out there on a whim but even up island doesn’t seem to be big savings. Maybe a bit more bang for the buck than out here in Ontario.
- brailsafe 6y ago
  Being from Winnipeg, I get a tremendous amount more value here in Vancouver for the money I pay. My gf and I pay about $1450 + insurance with utilities (water, electricity) included, and in-suite washer dryer + dishwasher + separate entrance in a new house. I don't need to own a car, grocery and cafes are within a very small walking distance, and the mountains can be bused to. We both have access to jobs that make it more manageable. Likewise, a friend of mine who likes a more bougie setup is paying $2100 for a new 1 bdr in a tower in a good neighborhood, and has amenities like washer and dryer in-suite, balcony, and underground parking included, which seems much more typical here. I took a look at Victoria rentals when I was interviewing for a job out there, but ended up realizing that there is less selection, less availability, and less public infrastructure that would otherwise make it a worthwhile move. I love the island generally speaking, if I have access to a car, and am hoping to do some backcountry camping out there soon, but it doesn't suit me as more of an urbanite at this time. In my current neighborhood, I can get downtown without a car in about 25 minutes, and my neighborhood is very laid back with tons of greenery and small shops. What I've heard about the suburbs of Toronto, are that it's a long-ass commute into the city proper, comparatively expensive, and with less access to nature, but perhaps easier access to Montreal, Ottawa, and Buffalo, but I haven't talked to anyone about the specifics of price/amenities. What has your experience been?
  - 52-6F-62 6y ago
    You pretty much nailed it, Toronto-wise. I’ve always loved just outside of downtown—“Toronto proper”. I’m not sure if the burbs have any easier route to those other locales as you still have to take the same highway routes out. I’ve worked with people who’ve commuted and none of them like the ride. It’s also often at least an hour from the suburbs into central TO if you’re taking transit. They are very spread out and mostly flat save for a few nicer regions. Parking lots, strip malls, and housing developments. Probably a lot more to unpack there. But I’ve never lived out there—just generally glad I didn’t whenever I’d visited either from the city or from my old hometown. I’m from a very small town and I’m used to the quiet life but I personally couldn’t move to the burbs here. We’re still trying to figure out a balance—where we can find or keep work but get out of the city. But until we can afford or find something ideal or near-ideal the trade offs aren’t worth it. Kind of like yourself. With house prices racing upwards though it feels a bit like a race against time before we’re shut out forever.

gnopgnip 6y ago

Attached single family homes sound very similar to this. These are common in central FL. Often the only common property is the party, or sometimes a shared driveway.